Keeping vulnerable people warm and safe in their homes – FREE training for frontline workers and volunteers

Last September we published a feature called  Winter + energy bills + COVID-19 constraints = potential fuel poverty crisis  explaining the perennial problem of fuel poverty that manifests itself each winter.  

COVID-19 has already increased energy usage from staying at home and will continue to do so as the temperature goes down and the heating turns up. Loss of income, redundancies and short-time working are all contributing to an unprecedented energy crisis for many people - and the wintry weather is making its presence felt as we move through January and the coldest part of the year. 

And with the new lockdown, even more people will be having to stay at home and turn on their heating – if they can afford to. Now more than ever it’s important to raise awareness to vulnerable consumers of how to stay warm, how to use less energy, and how to pay less.   

Are your staff and volunteers aware of the support available? CAN is offering free 90-minute online training to help people provide support and information where needed.   

We can also arrange a session for staff and volunteers at a time convenient to you.   PLEASE NOTE: this offer is open to VCSE, public sector and private provider organisations across the Eastern region – not just Norfolk. If you are interested in booking a session for your staff or volunteers please email  rik.martin@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk or call 01362 698216 and leave a message - we'll get back to you.    

Upcoming sessions - a choice of dates:   

• Wed 20th Jan     1.00 - 2.30pm 
• Tue 26th Jan    10.00 -11.30am 
• Fri 29th Jan        1.30 – 3.00pm 
• Wed 3rd Feb     2.00 – 3.30pm 
• Tue 9th Feb    10.00 – 11.30am 
• Fri 12th Feb       2.00 – 3.30pm 
• Wed 17th Feb   2.30 – 4.00pm 
• Tue 23rd Feb      2.00 -3.30pm 
• Mon 1st March 1.00 – 3.30pm 

The training session will help:   

• explore ways to help vulnerable people save energy and money in their homes  
• understand what support is available to them 
• help people find the cheapest supplier   
• know where to signpost clients to and understand what else they might need to consider   

For joining information please email office@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk. 

Big Energy Saving Network   

• CHECK 
• SWITCH and 
• SAVE  

A safe, reliable, trustworthy way to switch 

Norfolk Energy Switch is a safe way to switch energy supplier and save money on energy bills. The idea is that people register with the scheme, then the energy companies respond to the power of collective buying by coming back with their best offer to local consumers. It’s like an auction in reverse. The next auction takes place on 9th February and all you have to do is register here to take part. There’s no commitment or obligation. The consumer decides whether or not to accept the offer.